As reported on Sunday in the Grand Rapids Press, the KCCS is the most comprehensive study of religious congregations and how they contribute to the quality of life in Kent County. Inspired by the philanthropic vision of Doug and Maria DeVos and funded by their foundation, the project affirms the need for educational, community and religious sectors to collaborate in efforts to improve the lives of children and their families.

These major findings of the report are found in the Executive Summary:

Kent County is an unusually religious community. Compared to
congregations across the country, Kent County residents are
significantly more likely to attend religious services. Kent County
congregations are larger in size, have more leaders, are better
funded, and are more likely to have participated in or supported a
social service program.

Hundreds of congregations are located in areas of poverty and
great need. Compared to majority White congregations, Black and
Hispanic congregations in the county average three to four times
the proportion of people with household incomes under $25,000.

Local congregations transfer $75.6 million annually to
denominations and to international, domestic and county aid and
missions—but only 14 percent is clearly designated for Kent
County.

Worship services in Kent County take place in 28 different
languages, reflecting cultural and ethnic diversity. At times multiple
languages are spoken in the same congregation.

Religious attendance is strongly associated with service to others.
Almost 5,200 people from Kent County congregations—including
paid staff and volunteers—participate in community service
activities. Congregation leaders spend time worth $8.8 million
annually on civic and social efforts.

Congregations supply 2,827 volunteers for educational programs, but
only a third of congregations report any involvement with public
schools.

Kent County congregations offer higher numbers of social service
programs than comparable national averages—2,338 programs in
all. Religious participation is not required by 70 percent of these
programs.

Other institutions would have to generate from $95 million to $118
million to replace the services and programs that Kent County
congregations provide annually in their community-serving ministries.

Gatherings of Hope is being distributed today to over 200 religious and community leaders at the Kent County Religious Leaders Symposium, held at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville.